INS241H1

Indigenous Science: Philosophies and Methods

This course introduces the philosophical foundations and methodological principles of Indigenous science. Drawing on diverse Indigenous knowledge systems, students examine how ecological knowledge is generated through land-based observation, relational accountability, kinship, story, and ethics. Emphasis is placed on understanding what counts as evidence, how expertise is cultivated, and how place shapes scientific practice. Students compare Indigenous and Western scientific paradigms to identify convergences and differences. By the end of the course, students can articulate core principles of Indigenous science and describe how land-based methods are practiced in reflective and respectful ways.